Well, it has been a great weekend here. Richard and Peter arrived on Friday about noon and headed straight to see Mark. When therapy was done, he was sprung for the rest of the weekend and off we went. To avoid some of the rush hour and beach traffic we had dinner nearby at a restaurant Mark and I wanted them to try. After a wonderful meal, we headed toward the water.
The hotel was very nice and when we got to our rooms, they had a nice beach pail waiting for SGT Lalli filled with treats. We were up early on Saturday and had a great breakfast before heading off to the Clearwater Community Sailing Club where we met up with one of the Sailability of Greater Tampa volunteers and the guys got ready. Peter had to take a written test first which allowed him to take Mark out in the boat. They lifted Mark up and lowered him into his place, and then it was time for Gillian and the Skipper to take off. Rich and I were able to watch them from the top deck at the clubhouse and took photos with the telephoto lens. They were out for about an hour and really enjoyed themselves. Mark had never been in a sailboat and found it very peaceful and relaxing. I think he could be hooked despite his preference for mountains. He told Peter it was his turn to try rock climbing now.
The hotel was very nice and when we got to our rooms, they had a nice beach pail waiting for SGT Lalli filled with treats. We were up early on Saturday and had a great breakfast before heading off to the Clearwater Community Sailing Club where we met up with one of the Sailability of Greater Tampa volunteers and the guys got ready. Peter had to take a written test first which allowed him to take Mark out in the boat. They lifted Mark up and lowered him into his place, and then it was time for Gillian and the Skipper to take off. Rich and I were able to watch them from the top deck at the clubhouse and took photos with the telephoto lens. They were out for about an hour and really enjoyed themselves. Mark had never been in a sailboat and found it very peaceful and relaxing. I think he could be hooked despite his preference for mountains. He told Peter it was his turn to try rock climbing now.
After they returned we enjoyed lunch and then our beach adventure began. The hotel drove Mark down to the water's edge in a gator and then supplied us with a "dune buggy" wheelchair. It was fun when he insisted we take him in the water and the air wheels started floating. We thought better of it and just walked the beach instead. One little boy saw us and said "way cool" when he saw Mark's ride. Then we parked him on the lounge chair and we soaked up the atmosphere.Dinner was out at an historic Cuban restaurant here in the Tampa area, and after too much good food, it was out for the night. We started back a little earlier than planned, since it had clouded over today at the beach. We took Rich and Peter to our favorite gelateria here and enjoyed walking around a bit before coming home to the Fisher House.
5 comments:
Sounds just wonderful. I'm so glad you had family time. Sharon
What a wonderful time you have all had !!!Needless to say one person in this household wishes she was right thereas well and can't wait to sunbake on the beach with you Mark .
We are all so thrilled for you .x
Happy St. Michael's Day, Mark. Your guardian angel has been doing a wonderful job, don't you think? In England, today is Michaelmas Day. Ray and I attended a Red Mass at St. Paul's Medina to honor soldiers, police, firemen, first responders, judges, lawyers, and all workers in the legal/justice system. The Red Mass is held in England on this day which is the start of their judicial year. It's a 'red' mass because the Presider wears red vestments and the Lord High Justices wear their robes of brilliant scarlet. At St. Paul's, Bishop Williams was the Presider and the first row of the church was filled with judges from Medina County in their black robes. Police & fire personnel were in uniform and it was an awesome service with a large choir and a brass quartet. You were in our prayers. Maggie & Ray Boswell
Hi Mark and Ann,
What a great family weekend! We are so happy you had such a fun time. And it looks like Mark is really doing great! We continue to pray for you. May God strengthen you and bless you.
Psalm 121:2,4,5
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your shade ar your right hand.
Love,
Bill and Kathy
Aw...a restful sail on the water. You are living now! Did that sailboat have a running board that dropped through the middle? I went on one that size and the owner pulled the board out and we flipped. No more small boats for me....22ft or bigger thank you. You look right at home tho! With all that great food you are gonna have to hit that Locomat more to balance out those calories! It sounds as though the outing was a huge success and this is one step closer to the transition to your new place. You truly do have a guardian angel...look at how far you have come. Proud of you!!! pustinator
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